Frequently Asked Questions.We have compiled a list of the most asked questions (in no particular order) in hopes that is will give you a bit more information to start your project.
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Will I know how much it will cost up-front?
Small jobs are based on an hourly rate plus materials, which we can discuss based on the scope of the project both on the phone and on-site. Large jobs will be billed based on an estimate (a written estimated cost of labor and materials) that has been approved by you prior to the start date. Sometimes, on large projects, there are items added or changed that are above and beyond the estimated work – since these changes often mean more materials and labor hours we will consult with you first for approval.
What is an Electrical Service?
Simply put your “Electrical Service” is all of the electrical equipment from the point where the utility company’s wires enter your home up to and including your electrical panel. This includes your meter base, service entrance conduit, grounding electrodes, systems bonding, service wire, panel(s) and breakers.
What is a Service Change?
All homes have limited electrical capacity, measured in amperage (amps) and as you increase the number of items in your home that require electricity, you may need to upgrade that capacity with a service change. Depending upon the age of your home your electrical service could be rated at 60, 100, 125 or 200 amps. Currently any panel or service upgrade is required to be a 200-amp service. Often even older 200 amp services still require a complete service change due to aging, meter base size and undersized service entrance conductors and conduit.
Modern homes and our increased use of technology require a lot more power than older homes were originally designed to provide. Today’s families use more electronic devices and appliances than ever before (computers, video games, entertainment systems, kitchen appliances, etc) and as we expand our power usage inside our home we must also expand the electrical service to meet those demands.
When we perform a service change we replace the entire electrical service from where the city power enters the house, the electrical panel, breakers, meter base, service wire, conduit, bonding and grounding.
Modern homes and our increased use of technology require a lot more power than older homes were originally designed to provide. Today’s families use more electronic devices and appliances than ever before (computers, video games, entertainment systems, kitchen appliances, etc) and as we expand our power usage inside our home we must also expand the electrical service to meet those demands.
When we perform a service change we replace the entire electrical service from where the city power enters the house, the electrical panel, breakers, meter base, service wire, conduit, bonding and grounding.
What is a Panel Change?
A panel change is one of the most common electrical upgrades that homeowners can do to improve the safety of their electrical system. Electrical panels typically last 20-25 years before they start showing signs that they need to be replaced. This is especially true if there is evidence of improper and amateur work done inside the panel.
Often times in older panels breakers and/or the buss bar has overheated to the point where arcing or overheating has occurred inside the panel. The conductors between the meter and panel may become loose and burn out the main lugs, especially common when aluminum conductors were used. Other common reasons to change out an existing panel are due to obsolescence and outdated technology. Split-buss panels, cheap builder-grade panels, panels contaminated by water, paint and corrosive environments are often candidates for replacement. Panels manufactured by Zinsco and FPE have many issues and are considered a hazard by many in the industry. This is a useful website to get more information about Federal Pacific and Zinsco Panels: http://ismypanelsafe.com.
When we perform a panel change in your home we replace only the panel itself (aka breaker box, fuse box.) Usually other parts of the service are upgrades along with the panel to meet code requirements. We install new breakers and correctly label all circuits on the house.
Often times in older panels breakers and/or the buss bar has overheated to the point where arcing or overheating has occurred inside the panel. The conductors between the meter and panel may become loose and burn out the main lugs, especially common when aluminum conductors were used. Other common reasons to change out an existing panel are due to obsolescence and outdated technology. Split-buss panels, cheap builder-grade panels, panels contaminated by water, paint and corrosive environments are often candidates for replacement. Panels manufactured by Zinsco and FPE have many issues and are considered a hazard by many in the industry. This is a useful website to get more information about Federal Pacific and Zinsco Panels: http://ismypanelsafe.com.
When we perform a panel change in your home we replace only the panel itself (aka breaker box, fuse box.) Usually other parts of the service are upgrades along with the panel to meet code requirements. We install new breakers and correctly label all circuits on the house.
Is my Knob & Tube wiring safe?
We work on a lot of old homes in the area and would have to say that, while Knob & Tube is "not inherently unsafe" there are still many safety issues - primarily from additions and changes over the years and/or from brittle insulation cracking from around the wires and leaving them exposed. Remember that when it comes to electrical systems, mere function is no indication of safety.
Every house with Knob & Tube wiring requires a thorough inspection to determine the state of the wiring. We can do this and provide a detailed report of our findings and discoveries.
Every house with Knob & Tube wiring requires a thorough inspection to determine the state of the wiring. We can do this and provide a detailed report of our findings and discoveries.
Will there be damage?
Many jobs are performed with no visible damage to the home. Sometimes drywall/plaster removal is a necessity. We make every effort to do the least amount of damage possible.
Will I be without power during my service/panel change?
This depends on the work being done and the area you live. For a panel change you can expect to be without power for 4 to 6 hours, a service change can be a few hours longer. If Tacoma Public Utilities is your power provider we will restore power when the job is complete. If you are serviced by PSE or another utility we will schedule with their service crews to restore power.
Do I supply the light fixtures and bulbs?
Normally, yes. This is largely a matter of style preference and budget. Depending upon the specifics of your job we can always arrange to pick out a light package on a pre-determined budget. However, if we are installing recessed lighting we will supply the trims and bulbs.
Why do some outlets suddenly lose power?
Most likely a GFCI outlet has tripped and needs to be reset. These types of outlets are normally located in garages, baths and kitchens.
Why won't the power come on after I reset the breaker?
Modern breakers need to be pushed fully into the “off” position and then back to the “on” position. It’s easy to switch them back and forth without a reset unless you make sure it is moved all the way into the “off” position.
Do I really need a permit?
If one is required for the work provided, then yes. It is in your best interest to make sure we did our job well and your home is safe. Be suspicious of electrical contractors who suggest saving money by forgoing a permit/inspection. We correct a lot of work that has been improperly and unsafely installed and the homeowner ends up paying greater expenses in the end.
How can I save money on electrical service work?
Don’t pay us to move your furniture! The biggest thing that a homeowner can do to save money on larger jobs is to prepare your house as much as possible before we arrive. This can range from moving furniture to digging a trench for conduit.
Do you accept credit cards?
Yes we accept Visa, MasterCard and Discover.
